Whether in logistics and transportation, the skilled trades, schools or hospitals and care facilities - there is a shortage of qualified staff at every turn. This shortage is now becoming a crisis.
One way to tackle this problem is to get highly qualified mothers back to work, even when the children are still small and not just when they have left home. And by that I don't mean letting them sort files for a few hours a week. That would be a waste of acquired qualifications at all levels! My aim is to keep mothers in their careers. Giving them responsible tasks and management positions even after parental leave. But how can this be achieved? In this article, I would like to appeal to both mothers and those responsible in companies, as these are the two groups - alongside legislators - who can make a difference to the current situation.
I would like to start with mothers. I am convinced that the proportion of female managers must increase. This also includes mothers, who often "cut back" after having children. I am deliberately talking about mothers here, because it is still 90% a problem for women, men often continue to work. This is therefore also an appeal to mothers themselves to have the confidence to have children and a career.

Part-time management

I also work part-time with management responsibility. I admit that I am often torn between work and children. But both are important to me in my life and fulfill me.
The balancing act between children and career is a tightrope act. I don't want to fool you: There are days when I have doubts. I ask myself whether I'm doing my children justice. Whether they might not be missing out after all. But I know that children are happy when their parents are happy. Everyone is different, but for me, an exciting job is part of my idea of a fulfilled life.
And that's also part of the truth: A part-time job is not for people who like to live for the day. I only manage to juggle my family and my job because I'm very disciplined and structured. I prepare breakfast in the evening, get up early and don't dawdle around at work. My calendar is always well maintained and I proactively approach my colleagues to get my workload done on time. And yes, sometimes I go above and beyond. It's a case of give and take.
I know that many highly qualified women work in such a disciplined way. It would be a shame if companies were to miss out on such dedicated workers ...

Flexible working hours

Which brings me to my appeal to those responsible in companies:
I understand that it is easier for the employer if all employees are full-time. Then there are strict working hours that don't change and are the same every day.
But that's often not possible with children. Parents need a few basic requirements so that they can do both - raise children and work: Flexible working hours where the job allows, for example. Of course, not everyone can work from home, but every company can ask itself where it can be more flexible for mothers. Ideally, of course, this should also include the issue of childcare and solutions when a child is ill. Other countries are showing where Germany still has room for improvement.

Accommodating skilled workers

I am glad to have an employer in allsafe where openness is a top priority. We also prefer working from home and I can absolutely understand that. At the same time, thanks to the digital possibilities, working from home gives us the opportunity to balance work and family life.
I am grateful that I can work in a way that suits our family - and at the same time do justice to my demanding tasks in Business Development Sustainablity. I can incorporate my experience into my job, while at the same time growing through my exciting work, learning, developing and enjoying my work.
I hope that many more mothers will experience how enriching it is to take on a responsible role at work and in the family. That even more companies recognize the great potential that lies in giving mothers a management position.

Heike Hundertmark